Emergency services support for a device which does not have a valid subscription

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is related to a procedure to provide emergency services support for a UE which does not have a valid subscription for the serving PLMN. This disclosure more specifically provides procedure to support IMS emergency call or eCall support for a UE which is in limited state on a E-UTRA cell is connected to both EPC and 5GCN.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry of International ApplicationNo, PCT/JP2019/000359, filed Jan. 9, 2019, which claims priority fromIndian Patent Application No. IN 201811011621, filed Mar. 28, 2018. Theentire contents of the above-referenced applications are expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to a procedure to provide emergency servicessupport for a UE which does not have a valid subscription for theserving PLMN.

BACKGROUND ART

This disclosure is related to the system information that is broadcastedfrom the base station to UEs who are camping on a cell of the basestation. The system information may include network capabilities thatare provided by the core network.

In general, there is one to one relationship between base station and atype of core network that the base station connects. However, asdescribed in the FIG. 1 , Non patent document 1 (TS23.501 V15.0.0) shows5G System Architecture Figure 5.17.1.1-1, E-UTRAN can connects to bothEPC and 5G CN (Core Network) at the same time.

This disclosure explains the detected issue in the architecture asdepicted in FIG. 1 and provides solutions to the identified issues.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

NPL 1: 3GPP TS23.501 V15.0.0

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Some of the system information that is broadcasted from the base stationare related to core network capabilities. This system information isreferred by the UE when UE initiates a desired service in case that thebroadcasted information indicates that the desired service is available.

According to the FIG. 1 , E-UTRAN can connect to both EPC and 5G CN,while each core network may provide the limited number of networkservice available. For example, the network services that are providedby the EPC may be different from ones provided by the 5G CN.

With this situation, the UE may not get enough information when UEinitiates a desired service because the system information that isbroadcasted from the base station does not indicates which core networkprovides that service, or both core networks provide that service. Withthis ambiguity in system information, the UE may not get the desiredservice since the UE may attach to wrong core network to get theservice.

There are, at least, three problematic cases that this disclosurefocuses. See below for three cases.

Problematic Case 1:

A UE is unable to determine whether a cell connected to EPC and 5GCNsupports IMS emergency call in limited state through EPC or 5GCN orboth.

The UEs in limited service state determine that the cell supportsemergency services over NG-RAN from a broadcast indicator (e.g. systeminformation) in AS. An E-UTRAN cell can be connected to both 5GC and EPCand can support emergency services for the UE in limited service stateeither through EPC or 5GC or both EPC and 5GC. The E-UTRAN broadcastsonly one bit to indicate support of emergency services in the cell. Thisbit can tell whether emergency services are supported on a cell but itcannot tell whether the emergency services are supported by EPC or 5GC.As a result the UE cannot determine whether EPC supports emergencyservices or 5GC supports emergency services.

Problematic Case 2:

A UE is unable to determine whether a cell of E-UTRAN which is connectedto EPC and 5GC supports eCall through EPC or 5GC or both.

A UE in normal service state determines that a E-UTRAN cell supportseCall over IMS through access stratum broadcast indicator (e.g. systeminformation) for eCall support over IMS and in limited service statethrough access stratum broadcast indicator for eCall and broadcastindicator tor IMS emergency services. A E-UTRAN connected to both EPCand 5GC broadcasts only one indicator whether eCall over IMS issupported or not for both EPC and 5GC. The UE in limited service stateas well in normal service state cannot determine whether eCall over IMSis supported by EPC or 5GC or both of them. Therefore, the UE behaviouris undetermined whether the UE should perform eCall over IMS to EPC or5GC if there is cell broadcasts only one indicator for eCall over IMS.

Problematic Operation 3:

A UE is unable to determine whether eDRX is allowed for EPC or 5GC orboth EPC and 5GC for E-UTRAN cell connected to both EPC and 5GC.

Currently E-UTRAN cell broadcasts one indicator which indicates if eDRXin the cell is supported or not. However, when E-UTRAN is connected toboth EPC and 5GC then it is not clear whether eDRX is allowed for the UEregistered to EPC via the E-UTRAN or for the UE registered to 5GC viathe E-UTRAN.

Solution to Problem

A method of a user equipment according to a first exemplary aspect ofthe present disclosure includes receiving system information block type1 message that is broadcasted in a cell operated by an eNodeB that isconnected to both EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and 5GC (5G Core), thesystem information block type 1 message including at least one of,ims-EmergencySupport information indicating whether the cell supportsIMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) emergency services via the EPC for theuser equipment in limited service state, and ims-EmergencySupport5GCinformation indicating whether the cell supports IMS emergency servicesvia the 5GC for the user equipment in limited service state, anddetermining that the cell supports IMS emergency services via at leastone of the EPC and the 5GC, based on both of, whether or not theims-EmergencySupport information is present in the system informationblock type 1 message, and whether or not the ims-EmergencySupport5GCinformation is present in the system information block type 1 message,wherein the method further comprises initiating IMS emergency servicesto the EPC, if the cell supports IMS emergency services via the EPC andif the cell does not support IMS emergency services via the 5GC,initiating IMS emergency services to the 5GC, if the cell supports IMSemergency services via the 5GC and if the cell does not support IMSemergency services via the EPC, or initiating IMS emergency services toeither the EPC or the 5GC, if the cell supports IMS emergency servicesvia both the EPC and the 5GC.

A user equipment to a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosureincludes a transceiver and a controller configured to receive, via thetransceiver, system information block type 1 message that is broadcastedin a cell operated by an eNodeB that is connected to both EPC (EvolvedPacket Core) and 5GC (5G Core), the system information block type 1message including at least one of ims-EmergencySupport informationindicating whether the cell supports IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)emergency services via the EPC for the user equipment in limited servicestate, and ims-EmergencySupport5GC information indicating whether thecell supports IMS emergency services via the 5GC for the user equipmentin limited service state; and determine that the cell supports IMSemergency services via at least one of the EPC and the 5GC, based onboth of whether or not the ims-EmergencySupport information is presentin the system information block type 1 message, and whether or not theims-EmergencySupport5GC information is present in the system informationblock type 1 message, wherein the controller is further configured toinitiate IMS emergency services to the EPC, if the cell supports IMSemergency services via the EPC and if the cell does not support IMSemergency services via the 5GC, initiate IMS emergency services to the5GC, if the cell supports IMS emergency services via the 5GC and if thecell does not support IMS emergency services via the EPC, or initiateIMS emergency services to either the EPC or the 5GC, if the cellsupports IMS emergency services via both the EPC and the 5GC.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows t 5G System Architecture.

FIG. 2A shows procedure to support emergency services for the UE inlimited service state on a cell of E-UTRAN.

FIG. 2B shows procedure to support emergency services for the UE inlimited service state on a cell of E-UTRAN.

FIG. 3A shows procedure to support eCall over IMS for the UE in Normalservice state or limited service state on a cell of E-UTRAN.

FIG. 3B shows procedure to support eCall over IMS for the LTE in Normalservice state or limited service state on a cell of E-UTRAN.

FIG. 4 shows a bock diagram for UE.

FIG. 5 shows a bock diagram for (R)AN node.

FIG. 6 shows a bock diagram for AMF.

FIG. 7 shows a bock diagram for MME.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of the present document, the abbreviations given in TR21.905 and the following apply. An abbreviation defined in the presentdocument takes precedence over the definition of the same abbreviation,if any, in TR 21.905.

-   5GC 5G Core Network-   5GS 5G System-   5G-AN 5G Access Network-   5G-GUTI 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier-   5G-S-TMSI 5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier-   5QI 5G QoS Identifier-   AF Application Function-   AMF Access and Mobility Management Function-   AN Access Node-   AS Access Stratum-   AUSF Authentication Server Function-   CP Control Plane-   DL Downlink-   DN Data Network-   DNAI DN Access Identifier-   DNN Data Network Name-   EDT Early Data Transmission-   EPS Evolved Packet System-   EPC Evolved Packet Core-   FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name-   GFBR Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate-   GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Centre-   GPSI Generic Public Subscription Identifier-   GUAMI Globally Unique AMF Identifier-   HR Home Routed (roaming)-   LADN Local Area Data Network-   LBO Local Break Out (roaming)-   LMF Location Management Function-   LRF Location Retrieval Function-   MAC Medium Access Control-   MFBR Maximum Flow Bit Rate-   MICO Mobile Initiated Connection Only-   MME Mobility Management Entity-   N3IWF Non-3GPP InterWorking Function-   NAI Network Access identifier-   NAS Non-Access Stratum-   NEF Network Exposure Function-   NF Network Function-   NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network-   NR New Radio-   NRF Network Repository Function-   NSI ID Network Slice Instance Identifier-   NSSAI Network. Slice Selection Assistance Information-   NSSF Network Slice Selection Function-   NSSP Network Slice Selection Policy-   PCF Policy Control Function-   PEI Permanent Equipment identifier

PER Packet Error Rate

-   PFD Packet Flow Description-   PPD Paging Policy Differentiation-   PPI Paging Policy Indicator-   PSA PDU Session Anchor-   QFI QoS Flow Identifier-   QoE Quality of Experience-   (R)AN (Radio) Access Network-   RLC Radio Link Control-   RQA Reflective QoS Attribute-   RQI Reflective QoS Indication-   RRC Radio Resource Control-   SA NR Standalone New Radio-   SBA Service Based Architecture-   SBI Service Based interface-   SD Slice Differentiator-   SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol-   SEAF Security Anchor Functionality-   SEPP Security Edge Protection Proxy-   SMF Session Management Function-   S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information-   SSC Session and Service Continuity-   SST Slice/Service Type-   SUCI Subscription Concealed Identifier-   SUPI Subscription Permanent Identifier-   UDSF Unstructured Data Storage Function-   UL Uplink-   UL CL Uplink Classifier-   UPF User Plane Function-   UDR Unified Data Repository-   URSP UE Route Selection Policy-   E-UTRAN: E-UTRAN which can connect to 5CC or EPC or both EPC and    5GC. It is ng-eNB as defined in 3GPP TS 38.300.-   Normal Service State: The UE is registered to the network (5GS or    EPS) to get normal service.

First Embodiment (Solution 1 for Problematic Case 1):

E-UTRAN broadcasts two separate indicators to indicate support ofemergency services by EPC and 5GC, i.e. EUTRAN broadcasts one indicatorto indicate support of emergency services by EPC and another indicatorto indicate support of emergency services by 5GC.

The main points of the solutions are listed as below.

The E-UTRAN is connected to both EPC and 5CC. The E-UTRAN broadcastsSystem Information block Type X containing one indicator (e.g. EPCemergency support indicator) to indicate support of emergency servicesby EPC and another indicator (e.g. 5CC emergency support indicator) toindicate support of emergency services by 5GC. The System Informationblock Type X may be a new System Information Block Type or existingSystem Information Block Type (e.g. System Information Block Type 1).

The UE reads System Information block. Type X. In other words, the UEreceives the System Information block Type X and decodes contents of theSystem Information block Type X.

If one indicator indicates that the 5GC does not support emergencyservices and another indicator indicates EPC supports emergencyservices, then the UE initiates emergency services to the EPC byinitiating EPC NAS procedure. The EPC NAS procedure includes the NASEmergency ATTACH procedure, NAS ATTACH procedure and NAS Service Requestprocedure.

If one indicator indicates that the EPC does not support emergencyservices and another indicator indicates 5GC supports emergencyservices, then the UE initiates emergency services to the 5GC byinitiating 5GC NAS procedure. The 5GC NAS procedure includes the NASEmergency registration procedure, NAS registration procedure and NASService Request procedure.

If the two indicators indicate both 5GC and EPC supports emergencyservices then the UE can initiate emergency services to any of corenetwork (5GC or EPC). If a UE emergency call to first core network type(e.g. EPC) fails then the UE initiates emergency call to second corenetwork type (e.g. 5GC). The core network type is EPC or 5GC. In onescenario the emergency services to one core network type fails then theUE reties certain number of times to the same core network type beforeinitiating emergency call on second core network.

If the two indicators indicate both 5GC and EPC supports emergencyservices then the UE can initiate emergency services to any of corenetwork (5GC or EPC). The UE chooses a core network (5GC or EPC) andinitiates emergency call by referring to another system informationbeing broadcasted. (e.g. access restriction related information, servicespecific access barring information, etc.)

In all the cases in solution 1 the emergency services for EPC isemergency bearer services for the EPC.

IMS emergency call is a type of IMS emergency services for all thefollowing scenarios. When the E-UTRAN indicates through a broadcastinformation that the cell support IMS emergency services by 5GC or EPCthen the 5GC or EPC supports at least one IMS emergency service (e.g.IMS emergency voice call)

Detailed description of the steps of the FIGS. 2A and 2B are givenbelow.

1. The E-UTRAN connected to both EPC and 5GC broadcasts one indicator(e.g. EPC emergency services support indicator) to indicate support ofIMS emergency services by EPC and another indicator (e.g. 5GC emergencyservices support indicator) to indicate support of IMS emergencyservices by 5GC in system information block type X where is X is aninteger. In one example the system information block type X may beSystem Information Block Type 1.

If the EPC supports IMS emergency services then the E-UTRAN broadcaststhe system information block type X containing an indicator related tosupport of IMS emergency services by EPC. The indicator indicates thatthe IMS emergency services by EPC are supported. In one scenario theindicator is set to value “TRUE”. In one example the indicator relatedto support of IMS emergency services by EPC is ims-EmergencySupport-r9in SystemInformationBlockType1.

If the EPC does not support IMS emergency services then the E-UTRAN doesnot send the indicator related to support of IMS emergency services byEPC. In other scenario, if the EPC does not support emergency servicesthen the E-UTRAN sends the indicator which is set to “emergency servicesnot supported” (in one example the indicator is set to “False”).

If the 5GC supports IMS emergency services then the E-UTRAN broadcaststhe System Information Block Type X containing an indicator related tosupport of IMS emergency services by 5GC. The indicator indicates thatthe emergency services by 5GC are supported. In one scenario theindicator is set to value “TRUE”.

In one example, if the 5GC does not supports emergency services then theE-UTRAN does not send the indicator related to support of emergencyservices by 5GC. In other scenario, if the 5GC does not supportemergency services then the E-UTRAN sends the indicator which is set to“emergency services not supported” (in one example the indicator is setto “False”).

The System Information block Type X may be a new System InformationBlock Type or existing System Information Block Type (e.g. SystemInformation Block Type 1).

The UE reads the System Information Block Type X. In other words, the UEreceives the System Information Block Type X and decodes contents of theSystem Information Block Type X.

3-1. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN supports IMS emergency servicesby EPC and does not support IMS emergency services by 5GC if thefollowing conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of IMS emergency services by 5GCindicates that the 5GC does not support IMS emergency services or theindicator related to support of IMS emergency services by 5GC is notpresent in the System information Block Type X, and

(2) the another indicator related to support of IMS emergency servicesby EPC indicates that the IMS emergency services by EPC are supported.

Upon receiving a request to initiate an emergency service from an upperlayer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiates an IMS emergency service to EPCby sending ATTACH REQUEST message containing EPS attach type set to EPSemergency attach (3-1a). After completing emergency attach procedure andestablishing the PDN connection for emergency services, the UE initiatesan emergency service (e.g. IMS emergency call). The UE does not initiateIMS emergency services to 5GC in the E-UTRAN cell in the case above.

3-2. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN supports IMS emergency servicesby 5GC and does not support IMS emergency services by EPC if thefollowing conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of IMS emergency services by EPCindicates that the EPC does not support IMS emergency services or theindicator related to support of IMS emergency services by EPC is notpresent in the System Information Block Type X, and

(2) the another indicator related to support of IMS emergency servicesby 5GC indicates that the IMS emergency services by 5GC are supported.

Upon receiving a request to initiate an emergency service from an upperlayer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiates an IMS emergency service to 5GCby sending Registration Request message containing 5GS registration typeset to 5GS emergency registration (3-2a). After completing emergencyregistration procedure and establishing the PDU session for emergencyservice, the UE initiates an emergency service (e.g. IMS emergencycall). The UE does not initiate IMS emergency services to EPC in theE-UTRAN cell in the case above.

3-3 The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports IMS emergencyservices by both 5GC and EPC if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of IMS emergency services by EPCindicates that the EPC supports IMS emergency services, and

(2) the another indicator related to support of emergency services by5GC indicates that 5GC supports IMS emergency services.

In the case above, the UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GCto get IMS emergency services in limited state service in the E-UTRANcell. This flow (FIGS. 2A and 2B) indicates the case where the UEinitiates NAS procedure to EPC. Upon receiving a request to initiate anemergency service from an upper layer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiatesan IMS emergency service to EPC by sending ATTACH REQUEST messagecontaining EPS attach type set to EPS emergency attach (3-3a). If theattach procedure to the EPC fails then the UE can initiate theregistration procedure to another core network type (e.g. 5GC).

3-4 The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports IMS emergencyservices by both 5GC and EPC if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of IMS emergency services by EPCindicates that the EPC supports EMS emergency services, and

(2) the another indicator related to support of IMS emergency servicesby 5GC indicates that 5GC supports IMS emergency service.

In the case above, the UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GCto get IMS emergency services in limited state service in the E-UTRANcell. This flow (FIGS. 2A and 2B) indicates the case where the UEinitiates NAS procedure to 5GC. Upon receiving a request to initiate anemergency service from an upper layer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiatesan IMS emergency service to 5GC by sending Registration Request messagecontaining 5GS registration type set to 5GS emergency registration(3-4a). If the registration procedure to the 5GC fails then the UE caninitiate the attach procedure to another core network type (e.g. EPC).

There are a few ways to broadcast support of IMS emergency services.Some examples of system information block Type as per the step 1 areshown below.

EXAMPLE 1

E-UTRAN broadcasts support of emergency services by EPC and no supportof emergency services by 5GC as below.

1a. SystemInformationBlockType1-vxxx-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { ims-EmergencySupport-r9 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need OR cellSelectionInfo-v920 CellSelectionInfo-v920  OPTIONAL,   -- Cond RSRQ nonCriticalExtension SystemInformationBlockType1-v1130-IEs  OPTIONAL1b. SystemInformationBlockType1-vxxx-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { ims-EmergencySupport-r9 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need ORims-EmergencySupport-5GC-r15 ENUMERATED {false}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need OR cellSelectionInfo-v920 CellSelectionInfo-v920  OPTIONAL,   -- Cond RSRQ nonCriticalExtension SystemInformationBlockType1-v1130-IEs  OPTIONAL

EXAMPLE 2

E-UTRAN broadcasts no support of IMS emergency services by EPC and butbroadcasts support of IMS emergency services by 5GC as below.

2a. SystemInformationBlockType1-vxxx-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { ims-EmergencySupport-5GC-r15 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need OR cellSelectionInfo-v920 CellSelectionInfo-v920  OPTIONAL,   -- Cond RSRQ nonCriticalExtension SystemInformationBlockType1-v1130-IEs  OPTIONAL2b. SystemInformationBlockType1-v920-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { ims-EmergencySupport-r9 ENUMERATED {false}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need ORims-EmergencySupport-5GC-r15 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need OR cellSelectionInfo-v920 CellSelectionInfo-v920  OPTIONAL,   -- Cond RSRQ nonCriticalExtension SystemInformationBlockType1-v1130-IEs  OPTIONAL

EXAMPLE 3

E-UTRAN broadcasts support of IMS emergency services by EPC and supportof emergency services by 5GC as below.

3a. SystemInformationBlockType1-vxxx-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { ims-EmergencySupport-r9 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need ORims-EmergencySupport-5GC-r15 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL,   -- Need OR cellSelectionInfo-v920 CellSelectionInfo-v920  OPTIONAL,   -- Cond RSRQ nonCriticalExtension SystemInformationBlockType1-v1130-IEs  OPTIONAL

Second Embodiment (Solution 2 for Problematic Case 2)

EUTRAN broadcasts two separate indicators to indicate support of eCallover IMS by EPC and 5GC. For example, EUTRAN broadcasts one indicator toindicate support of eCall over IMS by EPC and another indicator toindicate support of eCall over IMS by 5GC.

The E-UTRAN is connected to EPC and 5GC. The E-UTRAN cell broadcastsSystem Information block Type X containing one indicator (e.g. EPC eCallover IMSsupport indicator) to indicate support of emergency services byEPC and another indicator (e.g. 5GC eCall over IMS support indicator) toindicate support of eCall over IMS by 5GC. The System Information blockType X may be a new System Information Block Type or existing SystemInformation Block Type (e.g. System Information Block Type 1).

The UE reads System Information block Type X. In other words, the UEreceives the System Information block Type X and decodes contents of theSystem Information block Type X.

If one indicator indicates that the 5GC does not support eCall over IMSand another indicator indicates EPC supports eCall over IMS, then the UEinitiates eCall over IMS to the EPC by initiating EPC NAS procedure. TheEPC NAS procedure includes the NAS Emergency ATTACH procedure, NASATTACH procedure and NAS Service Request procedure.

If one indicator indicates that the EPC does not eCall over IMS andanother indicator indicates 5GC supports eCall over IMS, then the UEinitiates eCall over IMS to the 5GC by initiating 5GC NAS procedure. The5GC NAS procedure includes the NAS Emergency registration procedure, NASregistration procedure and NAS Service Request procedure.

If the two indicators indicate both 5GC and EPC support eCall over IMSthen the UE can initiate emergency services to any of core network (5GCor EPC) using corresponding NAS procedure. If a UE eCall over IMS tofirst core network type (e.g. EPC) fails then the UE initiates emergencycall to second core network type (e.g. 5GC), The core network type isEPC or 5GC. In one scenario the eCall over IMS to one core network typefails then the UE retries certain number of times to the same corenetwork type before initiating eCall over IMS on second core networktype.

If the two indicators indicate both 5GC and EPC support eCall over IMSthen the UE can initiate emergency services to any of core network (5GCor EPC). The UE chooses a core network (5GC or EPC) and initiates eCallover IMS by referring to another system information being broadcasted.(e.g. access restriction related information, service specific accessbarring information, etc.)

FIGS. 3A and 3B: Procedure to support eCall over IMS for the UE inNormal service state or limited service state on a cell of E-UTRAN.

Detailed description of the steps of the FIGS. 3A and 3B are givenbelow.

1. The E-UTRAN connected to both EPC and 5GC broadcasts one indicator(e.g. EPC eCall over IMS support indicator) to indicate support of eCallover IMS by EPC and another indicator (e.g. 5GC eCall over IMS supportindicator) to indicate support of eCall over IMS by 5GC in systeminformation block type X where is X is an integer. In one example thesystem information block type X may be System Information Block Type 1.

If the EPC supports eCall over IMS then the E-UTRAN broadcasts thesystem information block type X containing an indicator related tosupport of eCall over IMS by EPC. The indicator indicates that the eCallover IMS by EPC is supported. In one scenario the indicator is set tovalue “TRUE”. In one example the indicator related to support of eCallover IMS by EPC is ims-EmergencySupport-r9 inSystemInformationBlockType1.

If the EPC does not supports eCall over IMS then the E-UTRAN do notsends the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by EPC. Inother scenario, if the EPC does not support eCall over IMS then theE-UTRAN sends the indicator which is set to “eCall over IMS notsupported” (in one example the indicator is set to “False”).

If the 5GC supports eCall over IMS then the E-UTRAN broadcasts theSystem Information Block Type X containing an indicator related tosupport of eCall over IMS by 5GC. The indicator indicates that the eCallover IMS by 5GC is supported. In one scenario the indicator is set tovalue “TRUE”.

If the 5GC does not support eCall over IMS then the E-UTRAN does notsend the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by 5GC. In otherscenario, if the 5GC does not support eCall over IMS then the E-UTRANsends the indicator which is set to “eCall over IMS not supported” (inone example the indicator is set to “False”).

The System Information block Type X may be a new System InformationBlock Type or existing System Information Block Type (e.g. SystemInformation Block Type 1).

2. The UE reads the System Information Block Type X. In other words, theUE receives the System Information Block Type X and decodes contents ofthe System Information Block Type X

3-1. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports eCall over IMS byEPC and does not support eCall over IMS by 5GC if the followingconditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by 5GC indicatesthat the 5GC does not support eCall over IMS or the indicator related tosupport of eCall over IMS by 5GC is not present in the SystemInformation Block Type X, and

(2) another indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by EPCindicates that the eCall over IMS by EPC is supported.

(3-1a) Upon receiving a request to initiate an eCall over IMS from anupper layer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiates an eCall over IMS to EPCby sending ATTACH REQUEST message containing EPS attach type set to EPSemergency attach if the UE is limited service state and the E-UTRAN cellindicates support of emergency bearer services for the UEs in limitedservice state.

(3-1b) Upon receiving a request to initiate an eCall over IMS from anupper layer, the UE initiates an eCall over IMS to EPC by sending ATTACHREQUEST message containing EPS attach type set to EPS attach if the UEis normal service state.

After completing emergency attach procedure or EPS attach procedure andestablishing the PDN connection for eCall over IMS, the UE initiates aneCall over IMS to EPC. The UE does not initiate eCall over IMS to 5GC inthe E-UTRAN cell in the case above.

3-2. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports eCall over IMS by5GC and does not support eCall over IMS by EPC if the followingconditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by EPC indicatesthat the EPC does not support eCall over IMS or the indicator related tosupport of eCall over IMS by EPC is not present in the Systeminformation Block Type X, and

(2) the another indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by 5GCindicates that the eCall over IMS by 5GC is supported.

(3-2a) Upon receiving a request to initiate an eCall over IMS from anupper layer (e.g. NAS layer), the UE initiates an eCall over IMS to 5GCby sending Registration Request message containing 5GS registration typeset to 5GS emergency registration and the E-UTRAN Bell indicates supportof emergency bearer services for the UEs in limited service state.

(3-2b) Upon receiving a request to initiate an eCall over IMS from anupper layer, the UE initiates an eCall over IMS to 5GC by sendingRegistration Request message containing 5G attach type set to 5GS attachif the UE is normal service state.

After completing emergency registration procedure or 5GS registrationprocedure and establishing the PDU session for eCall over IMS, the UEinitiates an eCall over IMS (e.g. IMS emergency call). The UE does notinitiate eCall over IMS to EPC in the E-UTRAN cell in the case above.

3-3. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports eCall over IMS byboth 5GC and EPC if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by EPC indicatesthat EPC support eCall over IMS, and

(2) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by 5GC indicatesthat 5GC supports eCall over IMS.

(3-3a) The UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GC to get eCallover IMS in limited state service in the E-UTRAN cell. This flow (FIG. 3) indicates the case where the UE initiates NAS procedure to EPC. If theemergency attach procedure to the EPC fails then the UE can initiate theemergency registration procedure to another core network type (e.g.5GC).

(3-3b) The UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GC to get eCallover IMS in normal service state in the E-UTRAN cell. This flow (FIG. 3) indicates the case where the UE initiates NAS procedure to EPC. If theattach procedure to the EPC fails then the UE can initiate the 5GSregistration procedure to another core network type (e.g. 5GC).

3-4. The UE determines that the E-UTRAN cell supports eCall over IMS byboth 5GC and EPC if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by EPC indicatesthat EPC support eCall over IMS, and

(2) the indicator related to support of eCall over IMS by 5GC indicatesthat 5GC supports eCall over IMS.

(3-4a) The UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GC to get eCallover IMS in limited state service in the E-UTRAN cell. This flow (FIG. 3) indicates the case where the UE initiates NAS procedure to 5GC. If theemergency registration procedure to the 5GC fails then the UE caninitiate the emergency attach procedure to another core network type(e.g. EPC).

(3-4b) The UE initiates NAS procedure to either EPC or 5GC to get eCallover IMS in normal service state in the E-UTRAN cell. This flow (FIG. 3) indicates the case where the UE initiates NAS procedure to 5GC. If the5GS registration procedure to the 5GC fails then the UE can initiate theattach procedure to another core network type (e.g. EPC).

There are a few ways to broadcast support of eCall over IMS. Someexamples of system information block Type as per the step 1 are shownbelow.

EXAMPLE 1

E-UTRAN supporting eCall by EPC and not by 5GC broadcasts only eCallover IMS support of EPC bit.

SystemInformationBlockType1-v1430-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { eCallOverIMS-Support-r14  ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR tdd-Config-v1430  TDD-Config-v1430  OPTIONAL, -- Cond TDD-OR cellAccessRelatedInfoList-r14  SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxPLMN-1-r14)) OF CellAccessRelatedInfo-r14  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR  nonCriticalExtension SystemInfortmationBlock-Type1-v1450-IEs  OPTIONAL }

EXAMPLE 2

E-UTRAN supporting eCall by EPC and not by 5GC broadcasts both bitssupport of eCall over IMS by EPC and by 5GC.

SystemInformationBlockType1-v1430-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { eCallOverIMS-Support-r14  ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR eCallOverIMS-Support-r14-5GC  ENUMERATED {false}  OPTIONAL, -- Need tdd-Config-v1430  TDD-Config-v1430  OPTIONAL, -- Cond TDD-OR cellAccessRelatedInfoList-r14  SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxPLMN-1-r14)) OF CellAccessRelatedInfo-r14  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR  nonCriticalExtensionSystemInformationBlock-Type1-v1450-IEs  OPTIONAL }

EXAMPLE 3 E-UTRAN supporting eCall by 5GC and not by EPC broadcasts onlyeCall over IMS support of 5GC bit.

SystemInformationBlockType1-v1430-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { eCallOverIMS-Support-5GC ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR tdd-Config-v1430 TDD-Config-v1430  OPTIONAL, -- Cond TDD-OR cellAccessRelatedInfoList-r14 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxPLMN-1-r14)) OFCellAccessRelatedInfo-r14  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR  nonCriticalExtensionSystemInformationBlockType1-v1450-IEs  OPTIONAL }

EXAMPLE 4

E-UTRAN supporting eCall by 5GC and not by EPC broadcasts both bits forsupport of eCall over IMS by EPC and by 5GC.

SystemInformationBlockType1-v1430-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { eCallOverIMS-Support-r14 ENUMERATED {false}  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR eCallOverIMS-Support-r14-5GC ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need tdd-Config-v1430 TDD-Config-v1430  OPTIONAL, --- Cond TDD-OR cellAccessRelatedInfoList-r14 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxPLMN-1-r14)) OFCellAccessRelatedInfo-r14  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR  nonCriticalExtensionSystemInformationBlockType1-v1450-Ies  OPTIONAL }

EXAMPLE 5

E-UTRAN supporting eCall by both 5GC and EPC broadcasts both bits forsupport of eCall over IMS by EPC and by 5GC.

SystemInformationBlockType1-v1430-IEs ::= SEQUENCE { eCallOverIMS-Support-r14 ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR eCallOverIMS-Support-r14-5GC ENUMERATED {true}  OPTIONAL, -- Need tdd-Config-v1430 TDD-Config-v1430  OPTIONAL, -- Cond TDD-OR cellAccessRelatedInfoList-r14 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1...maxPLMN-1-r14)) OFCellAccessRelatedInfo-r14  OPTIONAL, -- Need OR  nonCriticalExtensionSystemInformationBlockType1-v1450-IEs  OPTIONAL }

Third Embodiment (Solution 3 for Problematic Statement 3)

The E-UTRAN (ng-eNB) which connects to both EPC and 5GC broadcasts oneindicator to indicate support of eDRX for 5GC and another indicator forsupport of eDRX for EPC. The UE when the E-UTRAN is connected to the 5GCreads the eDRX support indicator for 5GC from a system information anduses the eDRX feature in the cell if the cell (i.e. E-UTRAN) indicatessupport of eDRX for 5GC otherwise the UE does not use the eDRX in thecell even when the E-UTRAN is connected to 5GC. Similarly the cell (i.e.E-UTRAN) broadcasts indicator indicating support of eDRX for EPC. The UEuses the eDRX for EPC in the cell if the indicator indicates support ofeDRX for EPC otherwise the UE does not use eDRX for EPC in the cell evenwhen the E-UTRAN is connected to EPC. In one example, if an indicatorfor eDRX support for 5GC is not broadcasted in the cell then the UEdetermines that the cell does not support eDRX for 5GC. The UE willfollow the same behavior for eDRX support for EPC in the cell. In oneexample, the current parameter eDRX-Allowed inSystemInformationBlockType1 is used for eDRX support for EPC.

The principle of solution 3 is same as principle of solution 1. The UEand the network behavior (5GC) of solution 3 will follow the UE andnetwork behavior of solution 1.

Another Embodiment

The first embodiment describes at least one indicator to indicatesupport of IMS emergency services by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC. Also,the second embodiment describes at least one indicator to indicatesupport of eCall over IMS by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC. Furthermore,the third embodiment describes at least one indicator to indicatesupport of eDRX by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC. Another embodiment cancombine the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the thirdembodiment. It means the system information which broadcasted by E-UTRANcan include at least two of:

-   -   at least one indicator to indicate support of emergency services        by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC,    -   at least one indicator to indicate support of eCall over IMS by        EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC, and    -   at least one indicator to indicate support of eDRX by EPC, 5GC        or both EPC and 5GC.

At least two of the parameters means:

-   -   at least one indicator to indicate support of emergency services        by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC, and at least one indicator to        indicate support of eCall over IMS by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and        5GC,    -   at least one indicator to indicate support of eCall over IMS by        EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC, and at least one indicator to        indicate support of eDRX by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC,    -   at least one indicator to indicate support of emergency services        by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC, and at least one indicator to        indicate support of eDRX by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC,    -   at least one indicator to indicate support of emergency services        by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC, at least one indicator to        indicate support of eCall over IMS by EPC, 5GC or both EPC and        5GC, and at least one indicator to indicate support of eDRX by        EPC, 5GC or both EPC and 5GC.

The term “UE” is generally intended to be synonymous with the termmobile station, mobile device, wireless device, and includes standalonemobile stations, such as terminals, cell phones, smart phones, tablets,cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, machinery. The term “UE” is also UEthat is used by 3GPP.

A UE may be an equipment for production, energy related machinery (suchas boilers, engines, turbines, solar panel, wind turbines, hydroelectricgenerator, thermal power generator, nuclear electricity generator,batteries, nuclear systems and equipment, heavy electrical machinery,pumps, compressors, vacuum pumps, fans, blowers, oil hydraulicequipment, pneumatic equipment, metal working machinery, manipulators,robots and their application systems, tools, molds and dies, rolls,conveying, elevating, materials handling equipment and their applicationsystems, textile machinery, sewing machine, printing and relatedmachinery, paper converting machinery, chemical machinery, mining andconstruction machinery and equipment, machinery and implements foragriculture, forestry and fisheries, safety and environment preservationequipment, tractor, construction machine, precision bearings, chains,gear, power transmission, lubricating equipment, valve, pipe fitting,etc.)

A UE may be a transport equipment (such as rolling stocks, motorvehicle, motor cycle, bicycle, train, bus, carts, rickshaw, ship andwatercraft, aircraft, rocket, satellite, drone, balloon, etc.)

A UE may be an information and communication equipment (such aselectronic computer) and related equipment, communication and relatedequipment, electronic component, etc.

A UE may be a refrigerating machine, a refrigerating machine appliedproduct, trade and service industry equipment, vending machine,automatic service machine, office machine and equipment, consumerelectronic and electronic appliance (such as audio equipment, videoequipment, loud speaker, radio, television, microwave oven, rice cooker,coffee machine, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, electronic fans andrelated appliance, cleaner, etc.)

A UE may he an electrical application system (such as x-ray system,particle accelerator, radio isotope equipment, sonic equipment,electromagnetic application equipment, electronic power applicationequipment, etc.).

A UE may be an electronic lamp, luminaire, measuring instrument,analyzer, tester and surveying instrument (such as smoke alarm, humanalarm sensor, motion sensor, wireless tag, etc.), watches and clock,laboratory instrument, optical apparatus, medical equipment and system,weapon, cutlery, hand tool.

A UE may be a wireless-equipped personal digital assistants (such aswireless cards or modules) that are designed for attachment to orinsertion into another electronic device (for example a personalcomputer, electrical measuring machine).

A UE may be a device or a part of system that provides applications,services, and solutions described below, as to “internee of things(IoT)”, using a variety of wired and/or wireless communicationtechnologies.

Applications, services, and solutions may be MVNO (Mobile VirtualNetwork Operator) service, emergency radio communication system, PBX(Private Branch eXchange) system, PHS/Digital CordlessTelecommunications system, POS system, advertise calling system, MBMS(Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service), V2X (Vehicle toEverything) system, train radio system, location related service,Disaster/Emergency Wireless Communication Service, community service,video streaming service, femto cell application service, VoLTE service,charging service, radio on demand service, roaming service, activitymonitoring service, telecom carrier/communication NW selection service,functional restriction service, PoC (Proof of Concept) service, personalinformation management service, ad hoc network/DTN (Delay TolerantNetworking) service, etc.

Further, the above-described UE are merely examples of applications ofthe technical ideas obtained by the inventor. Needless to say, thesetechnical ideas are not limited to the above-described UE and variousmodifications can be made thereto.

AS (Access Stratum) layer may include an RRC layer, a SADP layer, a PDCPlayer, a RLC layer, a MAC layer and PHY layer.

NG-RAN may include an eNB (evolved E-UTRAN) connected with 5GC and gNB.

NAS (Non Access Stratum) layer include an EMM (EPS Mobility Management)and an ESM (EPS Session Management).

The UE may have two entities for NAS layer. One entity is for EPC NASlayer. Other entity is for 5GC NAS layer. Therefore, in the aboveembodiments, the UE may forward the received indicator related tosupport of emergency services by EPC (e.g. ims-EmergencySupport-r9 isset to “TRUE”) to the entity for EPC NAS layer as an upper layer. In thesame way, in the above embodiments, the UE may forward the receivedindicator related to support of emergency services by 5GC (e.g.ims-EmergencySupport-5GC-r15 is set to “TRUE”) to the entity for 5GC NASlayer as an upper layer.

User Equipment (UE)

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the UE. Asshown, the UE (100) includes a transceiver circuit (103) which isoperable to transmit signals to and to receive signals from theconnected node(s) via one or more antenna (104). Although notnecessarily shown in FIG. 4 , the UE will of course have all the usualfunctionality of a conventional mobile device (such as a user interface(102)) and this may be provided by any one or any combination ofhardware, software and firmware, as appropriate. Software may bepre-installed in the memory and/or may be downloaded via thetelecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD),for example.

A controller (101) controls the operation of the UE in accordance withsoftware stored in a memory (105). The software includes, among otherthings, an operating system and a communications control module (106)having at least a transceiver control module (107). The communicationscontrol module (106) (using its transceiver control sub-module) isresponsible for handling (generating/sending/receiving) signalling anduplink/downlink data packets between the UE and other nodes, such as thebase station/(R)AN node, the MME, the AMF (and other core networknodes). Such signalling may include, for example, appropriatelyformatted signalling messages relating to connection establishment andmaintenance (e.g. RRC connection establishment and other RRC messages),periodic location update related messages (e.g. tracking area update,paging area updates, location area update) etc. Such signalling may alsoinclude, for example, broadcast information (e.g. Master Information andSystem information) in a receiving case.

(R)AN Node

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of anexemplary (R)AN node (200). The (R)AN node (200) includes 3GPP AccessNode and Non 3GPP Access Node. The 3GPP Access Node may be, a basestation (‘eNB’ in LTE, ‘gNB’ in 5G). As shown, the (R)AN node (200)includes a transceiver circuit (203) which is operable to transmitsignals to and to receive signals from connected UE(s) via one or moreantenna (204) and to transmit signals to and to receive signals fromother network nodes (either directly or indirectly) via a networkinterface (202). A controller (201) controls the operation of the (R)ANnode in accordance with software stored in a memory (205). Software maybe pre-installed in the memory and/or may be downloaded via thetelecommunication network or from a removable data storage device (RMD),for example. The software includes, among other things, an operatingsystem and a communications control module (206) having at least atransceiver control module (207).

The communications control module (206) (using its transceiver controlsub-module) is responsible for handling (generating/sending/receiving)signalling between the (R)AN node and other nodes, such as the UE, theMME, the AMF (e.g. directly or indirectly). The signalling may include,for example, appropriately formatted signalling messages relating to aradio connection and location procedures (for a particular UE), and inparticular, relating to connection establishment and maintenance (e.g.RRC connection establishment and other RRC messages), periodic locationupdate related messages (e.g. tracking area update, paging area updates,location area update), S1 AP messages and NG AP messages (i.e. messagesby N2 reference point), messages by Y2 reference point, etc. Suchsignalling may also include, for example, broadcast information (e.g.Master Information and System information) in a sending case.

The controller is also configured (by software or hardware) to handlerelated tasks such as, when implemented, UE mobility estimate and/ormoving trajectory estimation.

AMF

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the AMF(300). The AMF (300) is included in the 5GC. As shown, the AMF (300)includes a transceiver circuit (303) which is operable to transmitsignals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the UE)via a network interface (302). A controller (301) controls the operationof the AMF (300) in accordance with software stored in a memory (304).Software may be pre-installed in the memory (304) and/or may bedownloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable datastorage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among otherthings, an operating system and a communications control module (305)having at least a transceiver control module (306).

The communications control module (using its transceiver controlsub-module) is responsible for handling (generating/sending/receiving)signalling between the AMF and other nodes, such as the UE, basestation/(R)AN node (e.g. “EUTRAN Node” or “eNB”) (directly orindirectly). Such signalling may include, for example, appropriatelyformatted signalling messages relating to the procedures describedherein, for example, NG AP message (i.e. a message by N2 referencepoint) to convey an NAS message from and to the UE, etc.

MME

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the MME(400). The MME (400) is included in the EPC. As shown, the MME (400)includes a transceiver circuit (403) which is operable to transmitsignals to and to receive signals from other nodes (including the UE)via a network interface (402). A controller (401) controls the operationof the MME (400) in accordance with software stored in a memory (404).Software may be pre-installed in the memory (404) and/or may bedownloaded via the telecommunication network or from a removable datastorage device (RMD), for example. The software includes, among otherthings, an operating system and a communications control module (405)having at least a transceiver control module (406).

The communications control module (using its transceiver controlsub-module) is responsible for handling (generating/sending/receiving)signalling between the MME and other nodes, such as the UE, basestation/(R)AN node (e.g. “EUTRAN Node” or “eNB”) (directly orindirectly). Such signalling may include, for example, appropriatelyformatted signalling messages relating to the procedures describedherein, for example, S1 AP message to convey an NAS message from and tothe UE, etc.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromIndian patent applications No. 201811011621, filed on Mar. 28, 2018, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 UE-   101 controller-   102 user interface-   103 transceiver circuit-   104 antenna-   105 memory-   106 control module-   107 transceiver control module-   200 (R)AN node-   201 controller-   202 network interface-   203 transceiver circuit-   204 antenna-   205 memory-   206 communications control module-   207 transceiver control module-   300 AMF-   301 controller-   302 network interface-   303 transceiver circuit-   304 memory-   305 communications control module-   306 transceiver control module-   400 MME-   401 controller-   402 network interface-   403 transceiver circuit-   404 memory-   405 communications control module-   406 transceiver control module

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of a user equipment, the methodcomprising: receiving system information block type 1 message that isbroadcasted in a cell operated by an Access Network node that isconnected to both Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and 5th Generation Core(5GC), the system information block type 1 message indicative of whetherthe cell supports Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)emergency services via each of the EPC and the 5GC for the userequipment in limited service state, by including at least one of:IMS-EmergencySupport information indicating whether the cell supportsthe IMS emergency services via the EPC for the user equipment in limitedservice state, and IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information indicatingwhether the cell supports the IMS emergency services via the 5GC for theuser equipment in limited service state; and determining that the cellsupports the IMS emergency services via at least one of the EPC and the5GC, based on both of: whether or not the IMS-EmergencySupportinformation is present in the system information block type 1 message,and whether or not the IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information is present inthe system information block type 1 message, wherein the method furthercomprises: initiating the IMS emergency services to the EPC only, in acase where the cell supports the IMS emergency services via the EPC andthe cell does not support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC,initiating the IMS emergency services to the 5GC only, in a case wherethe cell supports the IMS emergency services via the 5GC and the celldoes not support the IMS emergency services via the EPC, wherein thesystem information block type 1 message: indicates that the cellsupports the IMS emergency services via the EPC based on a value of theIMS-EmergencySupport information being set to TRUE, indicates that thecell does not support the IMS emergency services via the EPC based onthe IMS-EmergencySupport information being absent from the systeminformation block type 1 message, indicates that the cell supports theIMS emergency services via the 5GC based on a value of theIMS-EmergencySupport5GC information being set to TRUE, indicates thatthe cell does not support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC basedon the IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information being absent from the systeminformation block type 1 message.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein the initiating the IMS emergency services to the EPC isperformed in a case where the cell supports the IMS emergency servicesvia the EPC and the cell does not support the IMS emergency services viathe 5GC, or the initiating the IMS emergency services to the 5GC isperformed in a case where the cell supports the IMS emergency servicesvia the 5GC and the cell does not support the IMS emergency services viathe EPC.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: notinitiating the IMS emergency services to the 5GC, in a case where thecell supports the IMS emergency services via the EPC and the cell doesnot support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC; and not initiatingthe IMS emergency services to the EPC, in a case where the cell supportsthe IMS emergency services via the 5GC and the cell does not support theIMS emergency services via the EPC.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein the initiating the IMS emergency services to the EPC isperformed upon determining, by the user equipment, that the IMSemergency services on the 5GC have failed.
 5. A user equipmentcomprising: a transceiver; and a controller configured to: receive, viathe transceiver, system information block type 1 message that isbroadcasted in a cell operated by an Access Network node that isconnected to both Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and 5^(th) Generation Core(5GC), the system information block type 1 message indicative of whetherthe cell supports Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)emergency services via each of the EPC and the 5GC for the userequipment in limited service state, by including at least one of:IMS-EmergencySupport information indicating whether the cell supportsthe IMS emergency services via the EPC for the user equipment in limitedservice state, and IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information indicatingwhether the cell supports the IMS emergency services via the 5GC for theuser equipment in limited service state; and determine that the cellsupports the IMS emergency services via at least one of the EPC and the5GC, based on both of: whether or not the IMS-EmergencySupportinformation is present in the system information block type 1 message,and whether or not the IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information is present inthe system information block type 1 message, wherein the controller isfurther configured to: initiate the the IMS emergency services to theEPC only, in a case where the cell supports the IMS emergency servicesvia the EPC and the cell does not support the IMS emergency services viathe 5GC, initiate the IMS emergency services to the 5GC only, in a casewhere the cell supports the IMS emergency services via the 5GC and thecell does not support the IMS emergency services via the EPC, or whereinthe system information block type 1 message: indicates that the cellsupports the IMS emergency services via the EPC based on a value of theIMS-EmergencySupport information being set to TRUE, indicates that thecell does not support the IMS emergency services via the EPC based onthe IMS-EmergencySupport information being absent from the systeminformation block type 1 message, indicates that the cell supports theIMS emergency services via the 5GC based on a value of theIMS-EmergencySupport5GC information being set to TRUE, indicates thatthe cell does not support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC basedon the IMS-EmergencySupport5GC information being absent from the systeminformation block type 1 message.
 6. The user equipment according toclaim 5, wherein the user equipment initiates the IMS emergency servicesto the EPC if the cell supports the IMS emergency services via the EPCand if the cell does not support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC,or the user equipment initiates the IMS emergency services to the 5GC ifthe cell supports the IMS emergency services via the 5GC and if the celldoes not support the IMS emergency services via the EPC.
 7. The userequipment according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to:not initiate the IMS emergency services to the 5GC, in a case where thecell supports the IMS emergency services via the EPC and the cell doesnot support the IMS emergency services via the 5GC, and not initiate theIMS emergency services to the EPC, in a case where the cell supports theIMS emergency services via the 5GC and the cell does not support the IMSemergency services via the EPC.
 8. The user equipment according to claim5, wherein the user equipment initiates the IMS emergency services tothe EPC upon determining that the IMS emergency services on the 5GC havefailed.